Sci-fi stars put superpowers to work for hospices

FUNDRAISING: Darth Vader, Joker and Doctor Who turn on the magic for children

A science-fiction extravaganza has made thousands of pounds for a Kinross children’s hospice.

Stars from Doctor Who, Harry Potter and Star Wars captivated crowds at the annual Capital Sci-fi Con.

The family-friendly movie and pop culture event boasted cars from the Transformer movies and a van full of Oor Wullie statues.

It is held each year to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) which operates Rachel House in Kinross.

Since its launch five years ago, the Edinburgh event has made more than £250,000 for the charity.

Among this year’s star guests were former Doctor Who Colin Baker, Harry Potter actor David Bradley, James Mackenzie of children’s show Raven, Game Of Thrones star Ian Hanmore and Jimmy Vee, who replaced Kenny Baker as R2 D2 in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

There were also a variety of props from the world of Marvel, Batman,

Gremlins and ET, as well as panel talks and comic book artists.

Meanwhile, an online auction with items donated by Peter Capaldi and Star Wars effects guru Brian Herring has been set up to raise further funds. Money will also go towards CHAS’S Robin House hospice in Balloch.

The whole event is organised by charity stalwart Keith Armour and his band of volunteer costumed “causeplayers”.

“The atmosphere has been buzzing this year,” he said. “I’m so pleased with the way everybody came together to pull off this fan-centric convention for a fifth time.

“We seem to be going from strength to strength and the fact that families from Rachel and Robin House can be here to take a break and enjoy the occasion is just lovely.”

Laura Campbell, senior CHAS community fundraiser, said: “Keith and his team of ‘causeplayers’ who come from all over the country are a phenomenal group of fundraisers.”

Trigger-happy stars Alan Sunter as Laughing Man and Neil Mckenzie as Joker at the convention.